At FOJAB, we have the greatest impact when we, as architects, can contribute our expertise and influence all the projects we undertake in a more sustainable direction. We want to take advantage of all the knowledge of our employees. This is why we have a structured sustainability program in the form of FOJABgreen. We took the opportunity to ask a few questions to architect Anders Eriksson Modin, who is responsible for FOJABgreen.

What is FOJABgreen?
FOJABgreen is our method for working in a structured way with all different aspects of sustainability. The method is a catalyst where we, preferably in close cooperation with our clients, examine how we can achieve the best possible results based on all aspects of sustainability. As architects, we have a huge opportunity to influence what is built and how sustainable it is.

How does the method work?
To simply describe FOJABgreen, I would say that it is a workshop, preferably together with our customers, where we put together the expertise that is most suitable for lifting the current project. It can be anything from an urban development task, a preschool or a small house. As a method, FOJABgreen is based on dialog about conditions and opportunities. The goal is to leave the meeting inspired and excited by all the different inputs and want to put this into practice.

What is the level of customer interest in sustainability and FOJABgreen?
We see that there is a huge interest in improving each project based on sustainability. At the same time, we feel that it is difficult to navigate between certification systems and difficult to make wise choices regarding design, energy, climate impact, ecosystem services and various social factors. We have accumulated a lot of experience over a long time and want nothing more than to share our best tips. FOJABgreen allows us to do this in a structured way.

About our sustainability work

Circus stools, ping-pong and a 'rogue outdoor gym' - these are some of the new activities that students in Lund can try when they return from their summer vacation. The new activities are part of the Equalizer research project, a collaboration between FOJAB, Nyréns, Lund Municipality, Lund University and Malmö University. The aim is to encourage more physical activity and enjoyment of movement on school playgrounds.

Research shows that the proportion of young people who are physically active is decreasing. Girls in upper secondary school are the least active, but gender differences can be seen even further down the age scale, according to sports researcher and cultural geographer Karin Book from Malmö University, who is part of Equalizer. Also involved in the project is ethnologist and site researcher Elisabeth Högdahl from Lund University, who highlights how different norms create invisible rules that determine who has the right to the site and how it should be used.

- Against this background, we want to explore with children and young people how we can reverse this negative movement trend by questioning norms. It's about creating greater participation, better public health and equal access to spaces in the city," says Åsa Samuelsson, architect at FOJAB and one of the initiators of Equalizer.

Two years ago, the first stage of the Vinnova-funded Equalizer project was completed. The focus then was on making Malmö's activity areas more equal and inclusive. Stage two is currently underway in Lund, where the focus is instead on schoolyards. Together with students and teachers from Östratornskolan and Fäladsgården in Lund, we have developed new types of activities that challenge norms about how schoolyards should be used and by whom. This also creates greater participation and equality.

- It is well known among educators that learning is positively affected by children moving around. This project also helps to stimulate pupils with different physical conditions to play and move," says Mia Honeth (L), Chair of the Children and Schools Committee in Lund Municipality.

Through methods such as norm disruption and workshops, Equalizer has worked with students to identify barriers, find creative solutions in the form of activities and discuss topics such as norms, community and exclusion,

- We have developed a three-step Equalizer model where we identify barriers, find creative solutions and test prototypes. The goal is to change behaviours and normalize a new approach through additions and supporting measures," says Emma Pihl, planning architect at FOJAB and project manager for Equalizer.

Some of the activities are now being inaugurated and tested in full scale with prototypes in school playgrounds. These could be tools that twist a regular activity to attract new users, activities that challenge and reward new ways of moving, or on-the-go activities when breaks feel short. The prototypes will be moved to Brunnshög in northern Lund later this fall and become part of an activity area open to all Lund residents.

- Lund Municipality works continuously on how to work with more inclusive and gender-equal spaces. We want to create inspired and safe places that invite movement and meetings between people. Through this project, we can learn how to make both schoolyards and other activity areas as good as possible, not least when a new district is being built," says Eva Dalman, project manager at Brunnshög in Lund.

About Equalizer
Equalizer is a Vinnova-funded research project within the call for norm-critical innovation. It is a collaborative project between the architectural firms FOJAB and Nyréns, Lund Municipality, Lund University and Malmö University where theory has been combined with method development and practical application on a full scale. Equalizer step 1 was carried out in collaboration with the City of Malmö. The goal of the project is to disrupt place-based norms to create equal and inclusive environments and surfaces that support physical activity. We have developed an Equalizer model with three steps where we identify obstacles, find creative solutions and test prototypes. The goal is to change behaviours and to normalize a new approach to how and by whom places can be used, through complementary and supportive measures. Participation and co-creation are central to Equalizer. The aim of the project is to create simple and easy-to-use tools to disrupt place-based norms and, based on this, to create physical changes to make it easier for more groups and individuals to take place and become active in public space. These tools can then be used in other places by those who want to help create inclusion when places are built and changed. The method is not only interesting from a practical perspective but has also attracted interest in the research community.

Newsec signs a framework agreement with FOJAB for architectural services and qualified advice in several locations in Sweden.

FOJAB is one of the selected architectural firms that now receives a framework agreement to develop Newsec's properties. The agreement concerns architectural services and covers the following locations; Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Helsingborg, Västerås, Uppsala, Jönköping and Växjö.

FOJAB has a long-standing collaboration and a good relationship with Newsec and has worked on projects in Helsingborg, Malmö and Stockholm, including tenant adaptations, interior design assignments and renovations.

- We are very happy for the continued trust. We share several of Newsec's values in sustainability and quality and look forward to continuing to develop properties together in more locations in Sweden, says Magdalena Hedman, Marketing Manager at FOJAB.

Wrangelska Park is a popular park and meeting place in central Landskrona, with a history dating back to the 19th century. In recent years, the park and the adjacent streets have been neglected and are now in need of renovation. FOJAB has been commissioned by the municipality to come up with a sketch proposal on how we can improve the park and activate life in and around the park. The municipality's vision is to make the park more accessible, safe and able to benefit more people. The streets adjacent to the park will also become more inviting.

The sketch proposal is based on the municipality's vision and the time when the park was established in the 19th century. Plants and materials have been chosen to tie in with the history. The aim is to provide an overview of the park as you move through it.

- We have chosen to create different spaces in the park and make the existing pond accessible by creating a footbridge over the pond and footpaths with seating. To create security and clear views, existing bushes have been removed. We have also created more places and activities for young people. There will be a pump track and a trampoline next to the park. The existing playground is being renovated and our goal is that it will also breathe 19th century in terms of material selection and design," says Caroline Hertzman, responsible landscape architect at FOJAB.

The existing rose garden will remain. We are creating a leafy meeting place, framing it, facilitating maintenance and creating clear pathways and entrances. There is also a bird sanctuary in the park that will be opened up and made accessible, with wooden steps floating above the ground to allow movement through the dense vegetation. This will be a playful element for children.

In Mörrum, in Karlshamn municipality, FOJAB has designed a new primary school for 550 pupils in grades F-6. Great emphasis has been placed on creating an experiential and sustainable architecture for children. A building that connects the interior and exterior learning environment and creates an educational, safe and inspiring place at the children's scale.

Mörrum's new school is part of a larger project to renew and consolidate the schools in Karlshamn municipality. The new school houses dormitories, special rooms and other common facilities such as a library, workshops, school restaurant and sports hall. FOJAB has worked on the project from the very beginning, and has, among other things, produced a strategic premises study for all schools in Karlshamn. The focus has been on participation and a large number of workshops have been conducted with those responsible in the municipality as well as educators and students.

The design idea for Mörrums Nya Skola is based on a project vision, a local program and a site analysis. The school building is divided into six smaller two-storey volumes that blend in well with the surrounding residential area of Mörrum and adapt to the scale of the children. Inside the building, activities are organized in smaller home zones with 75 children in each, where each home zone is designed as a complete learning environment with a palette of different types and sizes of rooms. The rooms can be used in a flexible way for different types of teaching and all communication areas have been minimized, which is important from a sustainability perspective. The school also has a large sports hall that can be used by sports clubs in the evenings and at weekends.

- The goal has been to create an experiential school environment that inspires learning. An environment where the choice of materials, visibility, good light and sound conditions interact. The architecture is designed for children and creates opportunities for flexible use throughout the school day. "We have worked according to the motto 'When you open the door, you are there' to create a seamless relationship between outside and inside with many entrances for a sense of closeness and accessibility," says Charlotte Kristensson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

Students at Mörrum School are involved in the design of the outdoor environment. Right now, all 350 pupils are developing their thoughts and ideas under the theme 'My dream schoolyard'. The drawings and models will form the basis for the design of the schoolyard.

- It feels great that we can incorporate the children's dreams into the design. That has been our starting point from the beginning - to create a school environment from the children's perspective," concludes Charlotte.

In addition to its sustainable architecture, Mörrum's new school has solar cells on the roof and will be heated by waste/ district heating. The goal is a certification Miljöbyggnad silver, which is the second highest level of certification for environmental buildings in Sweden. Construction of the school will begin in the summer of 2020 and is expected to be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2022.

Together with Trianon, FOJAB has developed the winning entry for the land allocation competition for a new neighborhood in Burlöv. The proposal is a hybrid neighborhood that includes about 150 homes, offices, sports, training and mobility. The block will be an exciting new meeting place where sustainable urban life is at the center.

In December 2019, Burlöv municipality invited a land allocation competition to develop and build the Hanna block next to Burlöv Central Station. The block is an important piece of the puzzle in the development of the station area and nearby Kronetorpstaden, and is intended to become a landmark and vibrant meeting place for Burlöv.

The winning proposal, Stadsbruket, will be a hybrid neighborhood that combines the best features of small towns and big cities. The proposal includes about 150 new homes, both rental and cooperative apartments, but also offices, sports, training and mobility, which contributes to movement and urban life in the area. The neighborhood's varied functions, forms of tenure and urban spaces are clearly expressed in welcoming entrances and identity-strong volumes. This creates a neighborhood where services, experiences and community become important components.

- Burlöv municipality has a high level of ambition for the area and we are pleased to be involved in creating this sustainable neighborhood together with Trianon. We have presented a strong proposal with distinctive volumes that create attractive urban spaces and tell about the history of the district and the location of the block. The Hanna block gives Burlöv a clear identity in the region," says Joachim Lundquist, head of architecture and responsible architect at FOJAB.

Kv. Vélo has a prominent location in Dockan, Malmö. A place where the traces of the shipbuilding industry meet an emerging urban neighborhood. Here, FOJAB has designed a residential neighborhood with a strong focus on the urban context, sustainability, accessibility and increased bicycle use.

The project has a clear sustainability focus, reflected in a timeless architecture with durable materials and well-crafted details. The old shipyard area is characterized by materials such as brick, concrete, steel and glass, which are taken up in the new block. The facades in red brick and relief masonry tie in with the industrial architecture and provide a shifting play of shadows. Towards the park and courtyard, the facades are instead bricked with light-colored bricks that enhance the experience of light.

Another important part of the sustainability aspect has been low energy consumption and the possibility of more car-free living. The building has been certified according to the Nordic Ecolabel, which guarantees that the work is based on a green philosophy with a focus on ethics, quality and sustainability. Opportunities for sustainable travel have also been an important prerequisite. With generous and easily accessible bright bicycle rooms on the ground floor, it is easy to park as the spaces are accessible from both the courtyard and the street. The residents also have access to electric cars, box bikes powered by renewable electricity and a car pool.

The block contains 144 well-planned apartments of various sizes, oriented around four stairwells. All apartments have balconies or patios. The recessed terrace floors at the top create space for large patios in several directions, which also provides space for e.g. cultivation. The entrance level brings together common functions for the residents, such as continuous entrances and glazed bicycle rooms that create visual contact with the lush courtyard. The courtyard is framed by three terraced houses on two levels, with their own patios facing the courtyard and the park.

- "Our starting point for the design of the block is the industrial character, the urban context and the activation of the entrance level, which adds quality and life to the local environment. Sustainability aspects have been influential throughout the project," says Emma Carlbom, project manager at FOJAB.

People in the center, open and closed units, overlapping functions and varying security classes have been in focus when FOJAB has designed a new youth home in Hässleholm. The building connects to the previous building's architecture and materiality in a new way.

On behalf of Specialfastigheter and Statens Institutionsstyrelse, FOJAB has designed a new youth center in Hässleholm where Stage 1 is now completed and inaugurated. The project has included new construction of four departments and staff and training facilities. The new home has room for 40 young people who need care according to LVU. The young people receive help with investigation, discussions and treatment in parallel with school education.

The building embodies a complexity of overlapping functions and varying levels of security with rooms for living, school and work.

- In close dialogue with both clients and users, we have developed a spatial organization with a varied identity to create the best conditions for the interaction of different and overlapping functions. Young people in a particularly vulnerable situation come here, and care for people has been central to the design. The architect has a social responsibility and we always work with people at the center, says Sune Nilsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The new building is designed with light-colored brick and wood paneling - simple and sustainable natural materials that are durable and age beautifully and blend into the environment. The facade reflects the need for openness and enclosure, where the heavy brick wall is broken by the school's wooden volumes and where slats shield from view but allow light to enter. The courtyards with color and greenery create the necessary pause.

- "Our aim has been to interpret the architecture and materiality of the existing facility in a new way, while respecting the materials that make up the previous facility. This creates a clearer connection and adaptation to the site with the functional architecture of the new main building," says Sune Nilsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The accommodation and administration departments form the outer wall surrounding the school, with two axes of knowledge breaking through the wall in some places. The wooden axes of knowledge are lighter and brighter, and more inviting and open for young people to approach. A figurative and literal way out.

The project's environmental objective has been Miljöbyggnad Gold.

Mats Molén, an architect at FOJAB, has been awarded the Lund Municipality's urban planning prize for the design of the Grand Hotel in Lund's new verandas and Bantorget. The award was presented at Lund's Stadsbyggnadsdag on March 10.

Architect Mats Molén has designed the Grand Hotel's extension with two new glass verandas, an outdoor terrace and a back pocket adjacent to Bantorget. The new verandas in glass, copper sheet and granite base have been given their own character from the building and become a natural part of the adjacent square. Bantorget has also been rebuilt to be an inviting entrance to the city and contribute to a vibrant city center.

- I am very happy and proud of the award. It has been an honorable and extremely interesting assignment with a clear goal, where the interplay between the hotel's operations and the development of the square has been in focus. The project is the result of a fruitful collaboration with the hotel's management and staff and the municipality's administrative units, says architect Mats Molén, and continues:

- An important starting point in the design is that the verandas should be perceived as easily removable - a sign of respect for the main building, a kind of click on - click off effect.

The prize was also awarded to the Technical Administration of Lund Municipality and Grand Hotel's CEO Maria Paulsson Rickle.

Motivation of the jury:
"The Lund Urban Design Award 2019 is awarded to the Grand Hotel's verandas and the redevelopment of Bantorget!

One of Lund's iconic buildings has been given new verandas that reveal life and movement on Grand's ground floor. The architect has carefully and confidently added a modern addition to the hotel, with great respect for the building's cultural-historical values and with a clear goal of enriching Bantorget.

The transformation of Bantorget strengthens the encounter with the activities around the square. Clear movement patterns have been created and inviting spaces have been added. The new furniture provides good function and beauty values that link to the site's historical heritage and the fountain is a beautiful eye-catcher that connects the site with the rest of the city center.

A successful urban development project depends on responsive clients. The Grand Hotel has ambitiously contributed to a successful whole. The new verandas, the plaza service, seating on the ground floor and open glass sections mean that the interior of the hotel interacts with the public function of the plaza.

The jury would particularly like to highlight the importance of how the parties involved have joined forces with the aim of finding a joint design that adds great value to the city. Here you can enjoy beautiful architecture, bustling public life, rippling water and piano music.

In short - Architecture for all senses!"

About the Urban Design Prize
In 1990, the Urban Development Prize was awarded for the first time. The prize was established by LKF, as a gift to the 1000-year anniversary of the municipality of Lund. The purpose of the prize is "to reward architects who have made a meritorious contribution to the development of the urban landscape in the municipality of Lund. Particular consideration shall be given to architectural efforts that combine the development of the cityscape, good function for users and beauty values."

Read more about Grand Hotel

The high demands of the business have been in focus when FOJAB combines existing and new into a uniformly designed court. The extension meets the city's ambition to connect the southern district with the city center. The building's location creates a natural place next to the new city street where entrances enrich city life and increase security.

- "The project is a fine example of how a new addition can be integrated, where the requirements of the business, the city's ambitions and feasibility have been balanced with a well-designed whole as a result," says Kjell Adamsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The project is the first of two phases to complete the block. The brick facades with careful details are in keeping with Helsingborg's brick tradition. The pattern masonry of the base floor adds an additional quality to the experience.

New hearing rooms and a developed solution of separated flows meet the needs of the business for increased capacity and function. Existing rooms have been updated to meet new logistical, technical and security requirements.

A new main entrance with security control leads into the public areas and on to an inner square linking the existing and new premises. The extension is based on the structure of the existing building with views of the Öresund. Together with new materials throughout, the experience of a unified court is ensured.

- "At FOJAB we have extensive experience of working with court buildings and the special requirements associated with highly complex projects," says Kjell Adamsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

FOJAB and the Swedish Sports Confederation have together begun work on developing the Movement Factor - a tool for working with and integrating different types of physical activity in the urban environment and in urban planning. In collaboration with the Movium think tank and the Swedish Sports Confederation, FOJAB will organize a workshop to kick off the work.

Research and surveys show that physical activity among the population is declining among both adults and children. Areas for sports and movement in a broader sense are of great importance for more people to have the opportunity to be active, and are an important factor in improving public health. With the right location, content and design, these spaces and functions can also contribute to social life in cities. There is great potential in allowing sport and movement to play a more important role in the physical environment of cities.

- The knowledge that exists in the area of physical activity, sport and spatial planning focuses mainly on either physical activity in everyday life or sport's need for space and facilities. Little attention is paid to how the needs of sport are met in planning and how different types of physical activity can interact and reinforce each other. There is therefore a need for a tool that includes all aspects," says Emma Pihl, initiator and architect at FOJAB.

In collaboration with Movium and the Swedish Sports Confederation, FOJAB will arrange a workshop on February 5 in Malmö where representatives from various municipal administrations, government agencies, the sports movement, private actors and researchers will gather to work together on the issue.

- It is exciting to have started this work together with FOJAB. Areas for different types of movement and sports are an important issue in community planning and urban development, but the sports movement and the municipalities need to find better forms of cooperation and tools to work practically with the issue. With the help of the Movement Factor, we can include different types of areas for movement and sport early in the planning phase and all the way to implementation," says Jonnie Nordensky of the Swedish Sports Confederation.

- The movement factor can be used at different scales in planning and construction, from the general to the detailed. For other issues in urban planning, there are rules or guidelines to relate to, such as green space factor, parking standards, noise and light conditions, etc. By formulating and introducing a Movement Factor, we can better ensure that physical activity has a stronger and clearer role in the development of cities and communities, says Åsa Samuelsson, initiator and architect at FOJAB.

The foyer is located in Södra Nyhamnen, an area undergoing exciting development. On behalf of Jernhusen, FOJAB has designed the office building with a roof park that will be a workplace for 700 people. Environment and sustainability, flexible office spaces and people's well-being in working life have been the focus of the design.

- We have had the fun and exciting task of designing the Foyer, and are proud to be involved in developing this expansive part of Malmö together with Jernhusen, says Charlotte Kristensson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The foyer consists of eight floors with a total of 7,700 square meters of office space and 1,100 square meters for retail and services at street level. The office building is given a strong design in brick that clearly expresses the building's volume and facade rhythm. A warm and welcoming living room, an open meeting place for everyone, greets you at the entrance. Here we have worked a lot with the contrasts between raw materials and the soft lines and textiles of the interior. A generous staircase leads to the companies' office workplaces. The office spaces are flexible and can be tailored to the tenants' needs. There are opportunities for individual offices or activity-based office solutions with a variety of sizes and types of rooms. The different floors, as well as the wide staircases in between, contain open spaces that allow for spontaneous meetings.

- We wanted to create an office building with a strong identity and character with a focus on sustainability and soft values. For us, form is always central, so we have created a long-term sustainable architecture - a design that stands the test of time," continues Charlotte Kristensson.

Up on the roof, there is a common roof park with a beach meadow character in the form of an undulating landscape with wooden walkways, ornamental grass and herbs. Here you can both walk and sit down for a moment of rest and look out over Malmö. The top offices each have their own terrace with seating in the sun.

The foyer is an eco-smart building that focuses on the well-being of both people and the environment. On the roof, for example, there is a walkway lined with 26 types of plants and 200 square meters of solar cells on the roof that produce 30,000 kWh/year. This is enough to charge electric cars and provide lighting for the rooftop promenade. In addition to BREEAM environmental certification, the building will also be certified according to The WELL Building Standard® (WELL), a new international building standard focusing on human well-being in the workplace with seven different focus areas: air, water, nutrition, light, exercise, well-being and mind. The technical measures such as acoustics, daylight and ventilation are complemented by soft parameters such as art, contact with nature, activity-promoting design but also relaxing environments to further improve the work environment. One example is the stairwell, which has been adorned with Emma Rytoft's playful paintings to encourage more people to take the stairs.

Read more about Foyer

FOJAB's vision is to create architecture for a better world with the aim of continuous development and improvement. Recently, the management was strengthened with a development manager and an HR manager and now a new board member and partner has been appointed.

At the last AGM, Birgitta Seeman, former CEO of Borätt and Seniorgården, was elected to the FOJAB Board. A number of criteria were identified prior to the election of a new member. An essential requirement was to have knowledge of the construction or consulting industry and experience of building companies, which fits well with Birgitta Seeman's profile.

- "I and the rest of the board are convinced that Birgitta will be a positive addition. She is a challenger and visionary who complements us," says Ulf Pettersson, Chairman of the Board of FOJAB.

Ulf Pettersson also emphasizes that it is of great importance for FOJAB that Birgitta has strong roots in the Stockholm market.

- 'I have spent most of my professional life working with architects. It is an exciting and creative profession and I hope that my experience from the construction industry can enrich it," says Birgitta Seeman, newly appointed board member.

At FOJAB's owners' meeting in early December, it was decided to bring in architect Carl Kylberg as a new partner in the company. He has been employed as office manager with responsibility for FOJAB in Malmö and Helsingborg since September 2018.

- During his time with us, Carl has taken great responsibility. He has a natural and confident leadership and is appreciated both internally and externally," says FOJAB's CEO Daniel Nord.

- The employees and management were inviting and made it easy for me to come in and feel at home in the company. Now I look forward to being part of the future development of southern Sweden's largest architectural office as a partner," says Carl Kylberg.

Daniel Nord concludes by expressing his pleasure at the reinforcements in FOJAB's management and board, and he looks forward to the new year with great confidence.

FOJAB is owned by 28 people who are all operationally involved in the business and the board is composed as follows:

Ulf Pettersson, Chair (external)
Anna-Karin Eklund, member (external)
Birgitta Seeman, member (external)
Karin Fagerberg, Member
Mattias Hedberg Ek, Member
Daniel Nord, Member
Two staff representatives selected by trade unions

Mässhaken is a small-scale housing with a focus on greenery and good quality of life, consisting of a white plastered stone house with twelve condominiums, including four ground floor apartments and eight terraced houses on 2.5 levels. The new homes are now completed and on Friday the keys were handed over to the condominium owners.

The area is located about three kilometers north of Helsingborg city center with proximity to Mariastaden, Pålsjö forest and Pålsjö cemetery. Embedded in greenery but still close to the city and salty baths.

- We wanted to create small-scale housing with a good quality of life. We have placed great focus on the outdoor environment with both private and communal patios that become natural meeting places and promote neighborliness," says Rebecca Saaby Mehlum, responsible architect at FOJAB. She continues:

- The view, not least to the west in the evening light, and the greenery, which of course becomes more apparent in the spring, are some of the qualities that distinguish the site.

The real estate company Dilum, based in Klippan, has built and manages this property. CEO Christer Jonasson emphasizes the bright, modern style of the homes, which were all sold by design.

- We have had great support from the architects throughout the project and we are very pleased with the result," concludes Christer Jonasson.

For more information on Dilum, please visit www.dilum.se or contact Christer Jonasson, CEO, christer@dilum.se, mobile: 072-240 73 20.

FOJAB is now further strengthening the organization and employs Elin Bredberg as the new HR manager and architect Anders Eriksson Modin becomes Development Manager.

Anders Eriksson Modin is an architect and partner at FOJAB. He is also the competence manager for the office and mobility business area and has carried out several highly complex office projects, most recently as project manager for the Dungen office building, which was awarded the City of Malmö's urban development prize in 2019. Most recently as commissioned architect for the Dungen office building, which was awarded the City of Malmö's urban planning prize in 2019. In the role of development manager, Anders will have a forward-looking perspective and drive the development of FOJAB's offering towards the market, work with internal processes and innovation and development projects.

- Our industry and world are constantly changing and as architects we need to stay relevant. I will put great focus on being forward-looking and developing our business, so that we can continue to be an office at the forefront and offer added value to our customers and partners. We have the experience, tools and expertise to create the architecture of the future," says Anders Eriksson.

Elin Bredberg has been recruited to the role of new HR manager and will be part of FOJAB's management team. Elin has worked as a consultant for FOJAB since 2018. In her role as HR manager, Elin will focus on leadership, sustainability in working life and corporate culture.

- FOJAB's vision, to create architecture for a better world, appeals to me and I look forward to contributing to the work. I feel proud to be part of FOJAB, happy for the trust and humbled by the task. I look forward to supporting and developing our fantastic employees and contributing to sustainability in working life," says Elin Bredberg.

- We are very pleased to have Anders and Elin strengthen our management team. Anders is an experienced architect with broad knowledge in the different areas of architecture combined with a large dose of curiosity and understanding of our business. It also feels great to have a long-term solution for HR support in relation to the goals we have set in the business plan, organization and considering our brand journey, says Daniel Nord, CEO of FOJAB.

Stärnö, is a peninsula southwest of central Karlshamn, including hiking areas and a former quarry. On behalf of the municipality of Karlshamn, FOJAB has now developed proposals on how the area can be developed.

On Stärnö there used to be a diabase quarry where stone was extracted for the Empire State Building in NY. Diabase mining ended a few years ago and today there are large visible traces of the activity. The site is characterized by, among other things, a 25-meter-high rock wall, two deep holes after the quarrying and a magnificent view of the archipelago and the sea. In its proposal, FOJAB has been inspired by the fantastic environment on Stärnö as well as Karlshamn's historic town plan.

FOJAB proposes to develop the area with housing, a guest harbor, viewing and bathing areas and recreation that takes advantage of the area's character, location and views. For example, the depth of the water provides opportunities for deep-sea diving and the rock wall can be used for climbing. To take advantage of the proximity to the sea, several piers and public urban spaces with nice locations by the water are proposed. The proposal also includes plans for restaurants, trade and public activities.

- "Stärnö Sjöstad is a fantastic place and we see enormous potential to develop it for the benefit of future residents. With its unique qualities, the district will be able to attract visitors and become a new destination in Karlshamn," says Magdalena Hedman, Marketing Manager and competence manager for urban development at FOJAB.

FOJAB's proposal contains a variety of buildings for many different target groups. It includes apartments with their own mooring, terraced houses and houseboats. A total of 650 homes are proposed, which can be developed in stages.
Stärnö Sjöstad has been designed based on the site's conditions with higher, sheltered buildings of 3-5 floors facing the sea in the east. The houses facing the lakes in the west have a more small-scale character with 2-3 storey terraced houses and houseboats with their own piers.

In Stärnö Sjöstad, priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists. The streets are designed for traffic to move at low speed, including through many crossing passages. To enable residents to choose sustainable modes of transportation, FOJAB proposes both a bus line and a boat bus.

Once the municipality has made a decision on how to develop the area, it will be built in different stages, with the hope that the first house will be in place in 2022-2023.

FACTS ABOUT FOJAB's "STÄRNÖ SJÖSTAD" proposal
Total number of dwellings ca 650 ST
Total number of apartments ca 575 ST
Total number of terraced houses/villas ca 75 ST

Possible other functions:
Service, trade about 5000 sqm BTA
Hospitality, hotel, culture approx. 5000 sqm BTA
Sports, activity about 1500 sqm BTA
Preschools, schools Expanded as needed

In order to strengthen the municipality's timber construction strategy and manifest Växjö as a leader in timber construction, Växjö municipality awards a timber construction prize every year. This year's award was presented on Thursday evening in Växjö town hall to the Trummens Strand block, also known as Geologen.

- Wood is a fantastic natural material! Växjö is a pioneer that strategically invests in and promotes the construction of wooden houses and we are both happy and proud of the award, says Stefan Johansson, responsible architect and creative leader at FOJAB.

The other nominees were Arkitektbolaget and the research project "Höga hus i trä". Trummens Strand was also nominated for the Building Prize in Växjö, which was awarded the same evening.

Motivation of the jury:
A typical example of the benefits of wood construction. Aesthetically pleasing architecture combined with environmental thinking in a package that breathes good urban planning and sustainability. A landmark along Trummens Strand that will delight both passers-by and residents for many years to come.

About Trummens Beach:
The block consists of three buildings with condominiums, a two-storey preschool with lake views, a community room and student apartments with separate entrances directly from the street, which provides a vibrant street life.

The buildings are constructed entirely in wood, in line with Växjö's strategic focus on building wooden houses. The buildings have a solid wood frame, the facades are clad with wooden panels and inside the apartments there are visible wooden structures and carpentry. Each apartment has been designed to maximize lake views.

Client: GBJ Bygg AB
Location: Teleborg, Växjö
Size: 22 200 m², 144 apartments

Read more about Trummens Strand